Gene Glasscock

26th September 2005
"We saw gene riding in Des Moines, Iowa Sept 10 2005. George Douglas and his 85 year old mother, Mabel. I stopped and talked to Gene and told him the road was closed ahead and how to go around and stop by our shop and get water for his horses. As the horses were drinking I got a chance to talk to Gene; our pinto filly was there and I got Gene a drink of apple juice. He gave me one of his cards and told me he was going to the capital Sept 12th. We talked and I KNEW I WAS TALKING TO A ONE OF A KIND GUY, I told Gene he could stay all night and he told me he had a place to stay and they was waiting for him to get there. We gave Gene some two bottles of cranberry juice to take with him. I walked with Gene to show him the way to go. I asked Gene how old he was: he said he was 2x35 and he had a birthday coming up. We saw the capitol building from where we was standing and I told him again he was welcome to stay; it would make him a closer ride to get there Monday Sept 12th but he said they were waiting for him. He thanked me and road away. Me and my 85 year old mother went to the capitol Monday Sept 12th. We took a lot of pictures of Gene at the capitol with my mother and her granddaughter Kelleigh and her son, George. It isn't every day you get to meet a legend like Gene. He is a very unique human being. Our family is very pleased to have come across Gene in a moment of time when we needed a lift in our life and Gene gave us that. God bless you, Gene Glasscock."

4th November 2005
"Gene arrived outside Newton, at 1:30 in the afternoon at Keith and Phyllis McDonald's home. The boys enjoyed their respite. We enjoyed listening to Gene's great adventure across America for the past 3 years. Amazing! The Newton Daily News came out and did an article on Gene that was published the next day. Gene said that a couple of the boys needed their shoes reshod and did we know of a farrier that could come. This meant that Gene had to stay over an additional night. The farrier came on Thursday and worked on Tossie and Buddy. The boys (horses) got to experience an ostrich and emu while here. On Thursday evening we went in search of a place for Gene to stay on Friday night and ended up at Prairie Meadows to eat a prime rib dinner and watch the horse races (No Gene did not bet on the horses). Friday morning Gene was up bright and early for his next leg of the trip. We stopped by Newton Vet Clinic were Scott Curry, DVM looked the boys over and updated their health papers. Then it was back on Highway 6 to Colfax, were Gene stopped briefly to eat a nice lunch, water and rest the horses. He would stay in Knoxville on Tuesday night. We wish Gene a safe journey as he finishes up his trip."

13th September 2005
"Hi, I just had the privilege of meeting Gene, he is on highway 92 about 5 miles west of Knoxville, Iowa at 12:30 central time. He and his outfit look to be handling the journey very well, he is a very interesting fellow and my hat is off to him for his dedication to a good cause. I will try to keep updated on the rest of his journey, God bless him."

17th September 2005
"During Gene's journey through Iowa, I had the privileged to meet Gene as I was working as a Deputy Sheriff in Marion County, Iowa and I was notified of a severe thunderstorm warning approaching our county as Gene was five miles from shelter. I advised Gene the bad weather was coming and he replied 'Here is my card, but I need to get riding, shelter is just ahead'. After checking out who Gene actually was, I regret not having the opportunity to talk to him longer. I hope you have a safe journey and God bless!"

21st September 2005
"Just wanted to let you know I talked to Gene at the Casey's store in New London, Iowa on Monday, didn't get to much time to visit with him, I was on my way to work, but If I had talked to him a little longer and known why he was doing this, I would have been late for work. I am a very active horseback rider myself. I would like to ride into Springfield with him if I can, at all possible. I didn't know where his route was taking him to next, or I would have invited him to stay at my place, it's on the way to Springfield, I am just north of La Harpe, Illinois. Thanks for the interesting story on your ride, I will be sure and buy one of your books when it is published!"

21st September 2005
"We had the unexpected opportunity of having Gene and his horses stay with us outside of Carlisle, Iowa. We knew nothing about Gene or his adventures prior to this time. Wow, what an inspiration, all that this man has seen, the stories he tells and his perspectives on life. Our family truly enjoyed the time we spent with him. This is time we will never forget. I only hope to have half of his drive, strength and attitude if I am lucky enough to reach his age. We wish him the best in his venture. Good luck Gene..."

21st September 2005
"Our family also had the pleasure of not only meeting Mr. Glasscock, but having him stay at our house on the outskirts of Des Moines, for the weekend before heading to the Iowa State Capitol on Sept 12th. Our youngest daughter, Kelsi, who is a hunter/jumper rider, enjoyed helping him with his horses at the stable of Beth Young’s, Windy Ridge farm where we board our horse. And, my older daughter, a hair stylist, gave Gene a new hair cut before he headed out again! We really enjoyed the stories told by Gene but mostly just absolutely amazed how one man can make such a difference in the lives of others. We have a great story to pass along to our grandkids and some wonderful pictures to go along. 'Godspeed', Gene. We wish you the best of luck on all your journeys."

Sincerely yours, George Douglas

Phyllis McDonald